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Dear Friends,
I feel the need to say that this is not your typical "Emily Ellison ED Letter." Our fearless leader is enjoying some much-deserved time away, and I (Raleigh Kitchen) am happily stepping in to communicate with all of you in her absence. But have no fear, her beloved writing will surely return in April!
March at the Land Trust was filled with events and happenings as we continued honoring our 25th Anniversary, bringing both joy and deep gratitude. Gratitude for the beauty of springtime in coastal Georgia, for the families of this Golden Isles community, and for the never-ending support we receive so generously from you all.
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Eastern Redbud Blooming
Land Trust Office
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We welcomed our new Land Steward Technician, celebrated our Top Volunteers with an educational trip to Jekyll Island, hosted a multitude of groups and tours at Cannon's Point Preserve, and enjoyed a picture-perfect Movie Night Under the Oaks at Old Stables Corner. Below you will find a recap of these things, as well as updates about Old Stables Corner, enticing opportunities to support the SSLT, and more.
Thank you, as always, for your tremendous support. We couldn't do this important work without you!
Raleigh Kitchen
Communications Director
| | MOVIE NIGHT UNDER THE OAKS | | |
Thank you to the 160+ community members who joined us last Friday evening to watch A Bug's Life at Movie Night Under the Oaks! The sight of Old Stables Corner coming alive with laughter, excitement, and the vibrant energy of families and children from all corners of the Golden Isles filled our hearts with immense joy.
Thank you also to all our Sponsors, Partners, Volunteers, and of course, Land Trust Ambassadors, for making the event possible. We look forward to next year!
| | Photos by Gavin Sellers Creative | | RIBBON DISPLAY AT OLD STABLES | | |
If you haven't had the chance to drive by Old Stables Corner recently, members of the Land Trust board and staff completed a visual display to give the community a clear picture of the potential impact to the property's trees if the County moves forward with its current plans at the Sea Island Road/Frederica Road intersection.
Based on a survey done by a Certified Arborist, we estimate that a total of 26 trees (13 live oaks) would be removed from the property. Those trees have been wrapped in red ribbon. A total of 15 additional trees (6 live oaks) could be negatively impacted by their proximity to the project. Those have been wrapped in yellow ribbon.
Glynn County officials have expressed their belief that fewer trees would be removed or impacted. While we currently disagree about this number, County officials did acknowledge that preserving as many trees as possible should be a priority and they are open to discussing ways in which that can happen.
While the Land Trust encourages our government officials to continue to refine and develop a plan that protects the historic and scenic nature of the island, we remain singularly committed to keeping our promise to do everything within our power to protect Old Stables Corner forever.
We hope to have another update regarding Old Stables Corner soon. Until then, we hope you will read our FAQ's and get informed about this issue. Thank you!
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We are thrilled to announce the latest addition to our Land Trust family, Ethan Frye, who joins us as our Land Steward Technician!
Ethan graduated from William and Mary University with a B.S. in Biology in December 2023. He spent many summer vacations visiting the area on Sea Island and now lives local in Brunswick. Last summer he was a Park Ranger on Jekyll Island and is very familiar with the area.
With a passion for conservation and a dedication to protecting our natural resources, Ethan is here to help us elevate our mission to new heights. His enthusiasm and expertise will undoubtedly inspire our team and the community alike. So, let’s give a warm welcome to Ethan as he embarks on this exciting journey with us!
| | BAT SURVEY AT CANNON'S POINT | | |
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources conducted coastal bat surveys this month. One of the long-term survey sites is Cannon’s Point Preserve. Biologists utilized mist nets over small puddles in the dense maritime forest at the Preserve to capture and collect data from these unique animals.
This survey was looking specifically for the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) and the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) which are two species known to migrate long distances but their preferred routes across the country are unknown. While neither of these species were captured, the survey was still a success with three evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) and one northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius), a Georgia Species of Concern, captured, documented, and released back into the forest.
Click below to learn more about Georgia's bats
and support this research through the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund.
| | MARITIME FOREST RESTORATION | | |
Maritime Forest Restoration research continues in coastal Georgia with our partners at Purdue and New Mexico State University. While Cannon’s Point Preserve continues to be an island research site, Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge in McIntosh County is being utilized as a mainland site for research.
Working closely with partners at PU and MNSU, Purdue University research assistant, Brianne Innusa helped to establish a new study at Harris Neck Wildlife Refuge looking at the competition between live oaks and other native species including Southern magnolias and sweet gum trees. These trees were grown from seeds collected at Fort Frederica National Monument, Christ Church, and Neptune Park. After days of planting, the researchers have graciously offered to give away leftover trees to the community so that they may enhance our coastal landscapes.
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If you are interested in young live oak,
sweet gum or Southern magnolia trees,
please stop by the Land Trust Office (1810 Frederica Road)
Monday-Friday between 9am-5pm
for a FREE TREE!
First come, first served.
Please bring a container to take your tree(s) home. Thank you!
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TOP VOLUNTEER TRIP TO JEKYLL
The Land Trust's Volunteer of the Year, Lynn Finnegan, along with Top Volunteers Jackie Magnant, Richard Burgner, Patrick Kelley, and Bob Pelletier, embarked on an inspiring tour of Jekyll Island this month, led by dedicated staff from the Jekyll Island Authority. This uplifting experience not only celebrated their contributions but also reinforced the importance of collective efforts in making a positive impact in coastal Georgia.
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OYSTER ROAST CLEAN-UP
We are incredibly grateful to volunteers Claudia, Pam, Justus, Jim, Eric, and Mary, who devoted their time this month to assist the Land Trust staff in the cleanup efforts following the Oyster Roast. Their hard work in removing batteries from lamps, meticulously cleaning and washing oyster baskets, buckets, and coolers, as well as reorganizing the storage room, made a significant impact post-event. Thank you all!
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CPP DOCENTS
Thank you to Cannon's Point Preserve docents Richard, Misty, Robbie, Berry, Chris, and all our docents for the invaluable role you play in welcoming and educating visitors about the unique ecological and historical significance of the Cannon's Point Preserve.
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MILDRED HUIE PROPERTY
A heartfelt thank you to Pat, John, Peg, Wendy, Bob, and Robbie for their tireless efforts at the Mildred Huie Property! Together, you transformed the landscape by clearing away dead and dying debris, making way for new life and restoring the beauty of the property.
| | If you're interested in becoming a Land Trust volunteer, please click the button below! | | |
Congratulations to the WINNERS of the Sea Island Forge 30-gal smokeLESS Fire Kettle and accessories,
Jim and Kay Harrell!
Thank you so much to the more than 50 families that renewed, increased, or became new St. Simons Land Trust Live Oak members during this incentive. And a giant thank you to our amazing partners, Steve and Sandy Schoettle, of Sea Island Forge for their continued dedication and generosity!
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PURCHASE KETTLE, SUPPORT SSLT
For those who missed out on winning the fire kettle above, we have great news! You have another chance to own a handcrafted, legacy-quality fire kettle while supporting the Land Trust.
Throughout the month of April,
when you purchase any Sea Island Forge Kettle,
up to 10% of the price will be
donated to the Land Trust.
Simply call Ann at 912-580-0346 and let her know you're buying a kettle to support the Land Trust!
| | Please continue supporting our local Pennies for Preservation business partners below by purchasing gifts, going out to eat, or grabbing a gift card. Your support of these businesses helps preserve St. Simons' beauty and charm. Thank you! | | |
As the traveling seasons approach, an array of exciting moments awaits you. Make sure you're equipped with your very own Land Trust merchandise before you go! We are eager to see YOU proudly representing SSLT as you embark on your next great adventure.
Our merchandise is readily available for purchase both in-office and online, making it easy for you to gear up for what lies ahead. Be sure to tag @stsimonslandtrust or use the hashtag #AdventuresofSSLTSwag to be featured. Happy shopping!
| | | | We are pleased to announce that the St. Simons Land Trust is applying for renewal of accreditation with the national Land Trust Alliance. SSLT has been an accredited member of the Land Trust Alliance since 2013, adhering to standards of excellence in all aspects of our work. Reaccreditation takes place every five years, and includes a required public comment period, which is now open. | | |
We are thrilled to present to everyone the 2025 Live Oak Sponsor, Live Oak Land Group, LLC. A huge shout out to owners William Poe and John Oswald - their commitment to keeping our properties beautiful and safe for everyone's pleasure is truly inspiring.
To Live Oak Land Group and each person who tirelessly contributes to maintaining the 1,400 acres in our trust - you are the unsung heroes - Thank you!
"Live Oak Land Group is thrilled to be a St. Simons Land Trust 2025 Sponsor. William and I firmly believe in the organization's mission and value the work being done to preserve this place that we love," says John Oswald, Owner of Live Oak Land Group. "On an island that can be impacted by severe weather events, we are grateful to be able to provide them with necessary tree maintenance at no cost."
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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR
2025 12-MONTH SPONSORS
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